It is unfortunate that some couldnt make previews. I for one missed them but gathered "enough leaks" to build the picture of what to expect. Just need to be quick since I am not invited for purchase.

Truth to be told, I question the effectiveness of embargos CW applies this time, especially with numerous so-called behind the close door showings during offline events & several online previews wouldn't help. However, I still support principle of embargos & forums to remove certain posts.

I agree with all the comments about the embargo.

But I’m still disappointed with the apparent sales going on behind closed doors. An embargo is an embargo. No sales or serial number requests until November 1st.

If not, why not just design a watch and sell it to all your pals.

I’d be a bit miffed if I was hot on my “buy” button (so to speak) next Tuesday to find my desired number had been allocated days ago. If someone had beat me to it on release day, fair enough. But days ago, come on CW, play fair.

Preview attendance or not, this leaves a bad taste in the mouth.

TheBeatles wrote: ↑Fri Oct 28, 2022 4:45 pm But I’m still disappointed with the apparent sales going on behind closed doors.

Preview attendance or not, this leaves a bad taste in the mouth.

I think that’s a fair and reasonable complaint.

hsukirk wrote: ↑Fri Oct 28, 2022 4:37 pm It is unfortunate that some couldnt make previews. I for one missed them but gathered "enough leaks" to build the picture of what to expect. Just need to be quick since I am not invited for purchase.

Truth to be told, I question the effectiveness of embargos CW applies this time, especially with numerous so-called behind the close door showings during offline events & several online previews wouldn't help. However, I still support principle of embargos & forums to remove certain posts.

Aye, there are enthusiast fora such as this, there are trade shows and trade press previews hosted by CW behind closed doors or to invited audiences. CW know their business and presumably apply a palette of tools in product launches.

We here may well form part of the established customer base but when it comes to global brand and product marketing I'd say we are fairly low in our ability to influence.

It is only right that this Forum respects the wishes of CW and maintains radio silence - that was the commitment given and in my world a commitment should be honoured.

Those who didn't make a preview but want to see what it looks like can do a Google search to see if anything has been posted elsewhere - that is inevitable because as much as CW wish to control the message they cannot control the internet.

If it is already being sold or given away with specific serial numbers then that is a call for CW only - but I can understand some feeling that is a bit below the belt for what may or may not be a very limited 'limited edition'. But that's life - I collect art and limited edition signed prints of say a run of 50 never means that 50 will be available when it goes on general sale - the artist would have already promised or given away to some close contacts (I've benefitted from that at times).

In those immortal words - it is what it is.

sproughton wrote: ↑Fri Oct 28, 2022 1:52 pm
I fully understand the reasons, I just don't agree with them. If information is readily accessible elsewhere, it just seems daft to remove all references to it here, a forum dedicated to CW.

"I know theft is illegal, but if other people steal, why can't I?"

This is what you sound like.

BobMunro wrote: ↑Fri Oct 28, 2022 5:21 pm But that's life -

In those immortal words - it is what it is.

I’m alright Jack, sod the rest

tikkathree wrote: ↑Fri Oct 28, 2022 5:00 pm I'd say we are fairly low in our ability to influence.

I’d take issue with that bearing in mind the acknowledgment CW gave in their website on the production of the C60 300.

Reading some of the posts in this thread has reminded me that I forgot to moan and stamp my feet when the Concept was launched!

I never received an invitation for a personal online preview ahead of the normal forum one. Totally outrageous, as I was able to identify from posts on the forum that some folk who owned less CWs than me had received a personal invite and ability to reserve a watch IIRC.

It’s so unfair! (said in the style of Kevin Quentin Julius Patterson… )

Oh for the avoidance of doubt - I wasn’t really upset!

Neil

nbg wrote: ↑Fri Oct 28, 2022 6:26 pm Reading some of the posts in this thread has reminded me that I forgot to moan and stamp my feet when the Concept was launched!

I never received an invitation for a personal online preview ahead of the normal forum one. Totally outrageous, as I was able to identify from posts on the forum that some folk who owned less CWs than me had received a personal invite and ability to reserve a watch IIRC.

It’s so unfair! (said in the style of Kevin Quentin Julius Patterson… )

Oh for the avoidance of doubt - I wasn’t really upset!

Neil

I was thinking that they offered the Concept privately first and then for general sale as well. I wasn't sure though. CW did set the precedent with that release.

Lavaine wrote: ↑Fri Oct 28, 2022 5:32 pm

sproughton wrote: ↑Fri Oct 28, 2022 1:52 pm
I fully understand the reasons, I just don't agree with them. If information is readily accessible elsewhere, it just seems daft to remove all references to it here, a forum dedicated to CW.

"I know theft is illegal, but if other people steal, why can't I?"

This is what you sound like.

Of course, because stealing something is exactly the same as linking to a post on the internet. An absolute dictionary definition of reductio ad absurdum

It's absolutely fine for this rule to be in place, and I'm not campaigning to have it changed or throwing my toys out of the pram. I understand it, I completely get the mods position on it, I just personally don't agree with it. With a bit of luck we're still in an environment where disagreement is an acceptable form of discussion.

nbg wrote: ↑Fri Oct 28, 2022 6:26 pm Oh for the avoidance of doubt - I wasn’t really upset!

Neil

You should be as I'm not receiving an invitation (speaking from someone who has purchased every version of JJ01 movement watches but fully gold one)

I hope I turn into a happy bunny at 1pm on 1.Nov.

rkovars wrote: ↑Fri Oct 28, 2022 6:54 pm

nbg wrote: ↑Fri Oct 28, 2022 6:26 pm Reading some of the posts in this thread has reminded me that I forgot to moan and stamp my feet when the Concept was launched!

I never received an invitation for a personal online preview ahead of the normal forum one. Totally outrageous, as I was able to identify from posts on the forum that some folk who owned less CWs than me had received a personal invite and ability to reserve a watch IIRC.

It’s so unfair! (said in the style of Kevin Quentin Julius Patterson… )

Oh for the avoidance of doubt - I wasn’t really upset!

Neil

I was thinking that they offered the Concept privately first and then for general sale as well. I wasn't sure though. CW did set the precedent with that release.

They have been doing private previews for a while now. The C7 Apex was previewed in a similar manner. So, this is just a longstanding practice.

tralls wrote: ↑Fri Oct 28, 2022 7:26 pm

rkovars wrote: ↑Fri Oct 28, 2022 6:54 pm

nbg wrote: ↑Fri Oct 28, 2022 6:26 pm Reading some of the posts in this thread has reminded me that I forgot to moan and stamp my feet when the Concept was launched!

I never received an invitation for a personal online preview ahead of the normal forum one. Totally outrageous, as I was able to identify from posts on the forum that some folk who owned less CWs than me had received a personal invite and ability to reserve a watch IIRC.

It’s so unfair! (said in the style of Kevin Quentin Julius Patterson… )

Oh for the avoidance of doubt - I wasn’t really upset!

Neil

I was thinking that they offered the Concept privately first and then for general sale as well. I wasn't sure though. CW did set the precedent with that release.

They have been doing private previews for a while now. The C7 Apex was previewed in a similar manner. So, this is just a longstanding practice.

We aren't really talking about private previews. With the Concept invitations to buy before the public went out. So what we are saying is that there is precedence for allowing people to place orders before the public release.

This has been a standard approach for ages, not just with CW either. I was at CW Towers with a friend a few years ago checking out a few watches and Mike came in for a chat. After a while he asked if we would like to see something special, which of course, we did. He brought out the prototype of the c60 Apex which at that stage had not been mentioned anywhere. My mate fell in love and asked Mike if he could order one there and then.

Mike, of course, said yes. My mate paid a deposit and picked his serial number - 007 - before anybody else knew it was coming. (That story later appeared in Loupe). Was Mike really supposed to say 'no you'll have to take your chances when it goes on general release' when somebody was trying to give him money? Of course not! Putting aside the fact that a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush, he risked upsetting another good customer, just in a different way to upsetting a forum member who didn't think anybody should get first dibs.

TheBeatles wrote: ↑Fri Oct 28, 2022 4:45 pm I agree with all the comments about the embargo.

But I’m still disappointed with the apparent sales going on behind closed doors. An embargo is an embargo. No sales or serial number requests until November 1st.

If not, why not just design a watch and sell it to all your pals.

I’d be a bit miffed if I was hot on my “buy” button (so to speak) next Tuesday to find my desired number had been allocated days ago. If someone had beat me to it on release day, fair enough. But days ago, come on CW, play fair.

Preview attendance or not, this leaves a bad taste in the mouth.

In some cases names go on lists many months before a watch goes on sale. You could, for example, been brave and put your name down for a Bel Canto when the last edition of Loupe came out months ago. There was a big hint about it and potential timing. This would have been an easy thing to do, read Loupe and send an email to Declan Strange. If CW wants to give hints in its in-house magazine and start lists early why should I not take advantage? You could do the same.

The embargo is not there to prevent speculative sales enquiries. It's purpose is to ensure that information about the new product is released at the same time to maximise media coverage/attention. The previews for the forum and facebook groups are a privilege that has been earned by the respective groups.